Kevin turns 35

Yesterday we celebrated Kevin's 35th birthday. I was not as prepared as years past(aka still recovering from surgery) so I had a busy day of trying to pull everything together. Ashley was a real trooper with all the running around that we did. Kevin has been super busy at work so we all waited patiently for him to get home and this is what he found in his office. Ashley is obsessed with Happy Birthday balloons. Unfortunately the work wasn't quite done so we had to wait for him to finish up a few loose ends before we were able to go out for his birthday dinner. We went to Famous Dave's. (Dad's choice of course but the girls ended up loving it) Kevin opened his gifts and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. While picking out his balloons, Ashley found this Hannah Montana notebook and she insisted that Kevin would love it. It was so cute on how insistent she was that he needed it and it had to be the pink one, that I just had to get it. Kevin thought it was funny too. This frog is funny because Allison has given it to him for the last two years, Ashley got it for her birthday this year and then Madison gave it to Kevin this year again. It always makes us smile when it reappears.

After dinner we headed back to the house for some cake. Kevin ask for one of our favorite cakes a Baked Alaskan. We really had fun celebrating and showing Kevin how important he is too us. It was a great night.

This is just too funny not to include. As we were leaving the restaurant Ashley laid across this rock and ask me to take a picture of her. She makes me laugh. I don't know what she is going to come up with next.

Our little Author

This last week Kevin and I were able to go to school and listen to Allison's 1st grade class read their books that they had written. We have been patiently waiting for this day. It brought back alot of memories of Madison in first grade and her book. It just happened to be the day after my surgery so Kevin was home taking care of me which was nice because he has been so busy at work he might not have been able to make it. Allison was in heaven to have both of us there and we really were able to enjoy it because a friend had Ashley for the day so I could rest in a quiet environment. Allison did a wonderful job on her book. You could tell how hard she worked to do her very best. Everyone in her class did such a great job. It has been fun to watch them all grow from kindergarten through first grade. It will be sad when they are split up next year with all the changes in the school.

Piano Lessons

Madison and Allison started piano lessons today. They were kind of shy about the whole thing so I went in with them. They are so quiet in unfamiliar situations. It is funny to see them. They were both very good and listened well. Sister McEntire told them to practice every day. I thought oh fun one more thing I will have to nag about. Since today was there first day I wasn't going to bug them about practicing but they both ran home and wanted to practice. Madison practiced first and then Allison sat down and did her homework.(without me asking) I think she wanted to get it out of the way so she could have her turn next. I am glad that we have finally got everything in order so that our girls can get in piano lessons. I never learned how to play and want to give them the opportunity. I hope the excitement takes awhile to wear off. After the girls were all done Ashley sat down and said "Now I practice my piano. I don't know what we are going to do with her. She wants to grow up too fast.

Rendezvous, Butterflies and Bicycles

Rendezvous

Since Madison started fourth grade we have been hearing about Rendezvous. Mrs. Dunsworth has told the kids and parents about it. Other parents that have been before have told me that I really needed to go because it was the best field trip. Madison and I have been waiting for the day to finally come. Well Friday was the day and it was great. I could not believe what an ordeal it was. Everything was organized so well. What is Rendezvous? A day to discover and live Idaho history. There were about 30- 35different stations on various topics. We were not able to go to them all. We were able to go to the canon station, where they did a walk through of how to load a cannon. The cannon went off every 30 minutes. It was loud but exciting.

Abraham Lincoln was there to tell us about his life. He was the president that signed Idaho in as a state. He is the tallest president that American has ever had and almost died when he was 6. We learned a lot of interesting facts. We got to see what type of toys children played with in the 1800's. We got to see how to pack a wagon train. There was much more but I wouldn't want to bore everyone. Madison had a great time and will hopefully remember this day for awhile.

Butterflies

When we returned to school I was lucky enough to catch Allison's first grade class release there butterflies. Allison has been so excited about the project and has been telling us every detail for a couple of weeks now. All week she has been watching the weather to see if it would be the day that they release the butterflies. Well Friday was finally warm enough and not too much wind. It was fun to be there to see it.

Bicycles

Today Kevin got our little bike already for Ashley to ride she was so excited. I can't believe that she is growing up so fast. She had the best time riding her bike. She is such a wonderful little girl and has no fear. She just hoped on and started peddling away.

Ashley playing Dance Dance Revolution

The girls have rediscovered that we have Dance Dance Revolution on the Wi. They have been playing it any chance they get. Ashley of course had to be right there with them. It was cute watching her play or at least think she was playing right.

Madison thought it was cute too so she took this video.

Mothers day

For Mother's we stayed in town because Kevin was ask to speak at church. He invited his mother to come up since obviously the topic would be about moms. The girls were really excited because Aunt Jill was at Nana's(aka Kevin's mom) for the weekend so they would come with Nana and Grandpa. We went to church but left after Sacrament Meeting so that his parents could get back to Twin at a reasonable hour. Kevin did a great job on his talk. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

We came back to our house for dinner. The girls had lots of fun playing while we were getting dinner ready. Allison taught Grandpa how to bowl on the WI. It took a while to figure out why he was having such a hard time but once we clued in that he was left handed he picked it up. He even beat Allison who is an old pro.

Madison had a great playing with Ashley and Kylie. She had the baby stuff out and had a great time. She is so good at getting down on there level and playing with them. She just amazes me more and more everyday. Words can't describe how proud I am of her. I am very lucky to have the privilege of being her mom. Ashley and Kylie had a great time with her. They play so great together. It is so fun watch them grow up together. They are lucky to be so close in age. Cousins can be great friends.

Quick update

Things have been really crazy and I have wanted to blog about a few things but have just plain ran out of time. Right now I am watching TV with my dear sweet husband and happy that he doesn't mind me multitasking. First of all I would like to brag on my two wonderful little girls. On Thursday last week Madison and Allison both received the Responsibility award at school. We are very proud of what wonderful children they are growing up to be. We could not be prouder of the girls that they are. Second Ashley finished preschool and we took a trip to the Zoo to end out the year. Ashley doesn't quite realize what it means at this time but when she does figure it out she is going to be upset. She looks forward to school every week. It is funny she is always talking about what she did at school with her boyfriends.(she is the only girl in class) She had a great time in preschool and looks forward to next year. This Ashley with all her boyfriends. We tried to get a good picture but 2 and 3 year old don't always cooperate.